Most significantly, residents who live within city limits once again will be allowed to use their charcoal grills, and just in time for the cooler weather, recreational fires will be allowed in fire rings that have been permitted by the fire department.

The Steamboat Springs City Council on Sept. 4 approved a second reading of an ordinance that would downgrade restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1. The Stage 1 restrictions go into effect Friday, and Stewart then has the authority to lift all restrictions, which he said he would do Friday.

Stewart said the area meets two of the seven criteria used to evaluate the need for fire restrictions. The area still is experiencing drought conditions, and fuel moisture levels are low.

As of Friday, the only fire restrictions that remain in place in Routt County are in the town of Yampa. It still is under Stage 2 restrictions, and those restrictions are set to expire Sept. 24.